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Objective: Birth weight is a good predictor of fetal intrauterine growth and long‐term health, and several studies have evaluated the relationship between metabolites and birth weight. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of cord blood metabolomics and lipidomics with birth weight, using a two‐stage discovery and validation approach. Methods: Firstly, a pseudotargeted metabolomics approach was applied to detect metabolites in 504 cord blood samples in the discovery set enrolled from the Wuhan Healthy Baby Cohort, China. Metabolome‐wide association scan analysis and pathway enrichment were applied to identify metabolites and metabolic pathways that were significantly associated with birth weight adjusted for gestational age Z‐score (BW Z‐score). Logistic regression models were used to analyze the association of metabolites in the most significantly associated pathways with small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) at delivery and low birth weight (LBW). Subsequently, 350 cord blood samples in a validation cohort were subjected to targeted analysis to validate the metabolites identified by screening in the discovery cohort. Results: In the discovery set, of 2566 metabolites detected, 2418 metabolites were retained for subsequent analysis after data preprocessing. Of these, 513 metabolites were significantly associated with BW Z‐score (P‐value adjusted for false discovery rate (PFDR) < 0.05), of which 298 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG)‐annotated metabolites were included in the pathway analysis. The primary bile acid biosynthesis pathway was the most relevant metabolic pathway associated with BW Z‐score. Elevated cord plasma primary bile acids were associated with lower BW Z‐score and higher risk of SGA or LBW in the discovery and validation cohorts. In the validation set, a 2‐fold increase in taurochenodeoxycholic acid (TCDCA) and in taurocholic acid (TCA) was associated with a decrease in BW Z‐score (estimated β coefficient, −0.10 (95% CI, −0.20 to 0.00) and −0.18 (95% CI, −0.31 to −0.04), respectively), after adjusting for covariates. In addition, a 2‐fold increase in cord plasma TCDCA and of cord plasma TCA was associated with an increased risk of SGA (adjusted odds ratio (OR), 1.52 (95% CI, 1.00–2.30) and 1.77 (95% CI, 1.05–2.98), respectively). The adjusted OR for LBW, for a 2‐fold increase in TCDCA and TCA concentration, were 2.39 (95% CI, 1.00–5.71) and 3.21 (95% CI, 0.96–10.74), respectively. Conclusions: These results indicate a significant association of elevated primary bile acids, particularly TCDCA and TCA, in cord blood with lower BW Z‐score, as well as increased risk of SGA and LBW. Abnormalities of primary bile acid metabolism may play an important role in restricted fetal development. © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: We developed a new tool to assess the severity of osteoporotic vertebral fracture using radiographs of the spine. Our technique can be used in patient care by helping to stratify patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures into appropriate treatment pathways. It can also be used for research purposes. Purpose: The aim of our study was to propose a semi-quantitative (SQ) grading scheme for osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) on anteroposterior (AP) radiographs. Methods: On AP radiographs, the vertebrae are divided into right and left halves, which are graded (A) vertical rectangle, (B) square, (C) traverse rectangle, and (D) trapezoid; whole vertebrae are graded (E) transverse band or (F) bow-tie. Type A and B were compared with normal and Genant SQ grade 1 OVF, Type C and D with grade 2 OVF, and Type E and F with grade 3 OVF. Spine AP radiographs and lateral radiographs of 50 females were assessed by AP radiographs SQ grading. After training, an experienced board-certified radiologist and a radiology trainee assessed the 50 AP radiographs. Results: The height-to-width ratio of the half vertebrae varied 1.32–1.48. On lateral radiographs, 84 vertebrae of the 50 patients had OVFs (38 grade 1, 24 grade 2, and 22 grade 3). On AP radiographs, the radiologist correctly assigned 84.2%, 91.7%, and 77.2% and the trainee correctly assigned 68.4%, 79.2%, and 81.8% of grade 1, 2, and 3 OVFs, respectively. Compared with lateral radiographs, the radiologist had a weighted Kappa of 0.944 including normal vertebrae and 0.883 not including normal vertebrae, while the corresponding Kappa values for the trainee were 0.891 and 0.830, respectively. Conclusion: We propose a new semi-quantitative grading system for vertebral fracture severity assessment on AP spine radiographs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the volume-of-fluid (VOF) multiphase model and the fluid-structure interaction (FSI) model, combined with the overset grid technology of the STAR-CCM+ software, a computational model for the oblique entry of truncated projectiles into water is established. The hydrodynamic characteristics and structural response characteristics of the projectile for various water entry angles are calculated and analyzed, and the evolution law of cavitation is determined. The numerical results are found to be in good agreement with experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multilayer structural system is expected to reduce demagnetization energy and obtain outstanding magnetic anisotropy. The effects of layer modulus (n) on the phase evolutions and magnetic properties of [MgO/FePt]n multilayer thin films were systematically investigated. The low ordering parameters and coercivity when annealing at 600 °C indicated that the existence of the MgO phase would enhance the L10–FePt transformation temperature. When annealing at 800 °C, the coercivity of 9 kOe with a superior in-plane magnetic anisotropy was obtained in [MgO/FePt]2 multilayer film. This multilayer film has reasonable exchange coupling interactions between the magnetic grains (α = 2.4) that could be utilized as an ideal candidate for micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Prolactinoma may reduce bone mineral density (BMD) and increase fracture risk, but its influence on bone microarchitecture remains to be elucidated. The purpose of this study is to evaluate bone microarchitecture parameters by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) in prolactinoma patients. Methods: 31 prolactinoma patients and 62 age- and sex-matched healthy controls in our center were included, and HR-pQCT was used to evaluate their bone microarchitecture at the radius and tibia. Z-scores for bone microarchitecture parameters were calculated based on previously published reference. Results: After adjusting for height and weight, prolactinoma patients had lower trabecular (− 0.011 mm, p = 0.005) and cortical thickness (− 0.116 mm, p = 0.008) and cortical area (− 6.0 mm2, p = 0.013) at radius, as well as lower trabecular (− 0.014 mm, p = 0.008) and cortical (− 0.122 mm, p = 0.022) thickness at tibia compared with the controls. Patients with higher prolactin level had more severe bone microarchitecture impairments. After adjusting for prolactin level and age, male patients had lower trabecular volumetric BMD (vBMD), trabecular number, trabecular thickness, and cortical porosity at radius, as well as lower trabecular vBMD, trabecular bone volume fraction, trabecular number, and cortical area, and higher trabecular separation at tibia compared with female patients. Z-score for radius vBMD was correlated with Z-score for areal BMD (aBMD) at lumbar and femoral neck, while Z-score for tibia vBMD was correlated with Z-score for lumbar aBMD, and some patients with vBMD Z-score below − 2.0 had aBMD Z-score within normal range. Conclusion: Peripheral bone microarchitecture was impaired in prolactinoma patients, especially in patients with higher prolactin level. Summary: We compared the bone microarchitecture of prolactinoma patients and healthy controls by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT), and found that many bone microarchitecture parameters were impaired among prolactinoma patients. Such impairment was more prominent among patients with higher prolactin level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Topological superconductors have long been predicted to host Majorana zero modes which obey non-Abelian statistics and have potential for realizing non-decoherence topological quantum computation. However, material realization of topological superconductors is still a challenge in condensed matter physics. Utilizing high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and first-principles calculations, we predict and then unveil the coexistence of topological Dirac semimetal and topological insulator states in the vicinity of Fermi energy (EF) in the titanium-based oxypnictide superconductor BaTi2Sb2O. Further spin-resolved measurements confirm its spin-helical surface states around EF, which are topologically protected and give an opportunity for realization of Majorana zero modes and Majorana flat bands in one material. Hosting dual topological states, the intrinsic superconductor BaTi2Sb2O is expected to be a promising platform for further investigation of topological superconductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The present study was the first prospective cohort evaluated the efficacy and safety of different doses of calcitriol in XLH children. The results suggested that a dose of 40 ng/kg/day calcitriol, compared with 20 ng/kg/day, was more effective in relieving the rickets, with similar safety outcomes. Further investigations were expected to set more dose groups. Introduction: Dose recommended for calcitriol in X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) varies in different studies. Therefore, we aimed to compare the efficacy as well as the safety of 20 ng/kg/d and 40 ng/kg/d calcitriol in Chinese XLH pediatrics population. Methods: A 2-year, randomized, open-label, prospective study recruited 68 XLH children, which were randomized to receive either 40 ng/kg/day or 20 ng/kg/day calcitriol. Efficacy endpoints were the total Thacher ricket severity score (RSS) change from baseline to month 12 and 24, the difference in serum TALP level, fasting serum phosphate level, body height Z-score, and frequency of dental abscess. Safety assessments were done using renal ultrasound nephrocalcinosis grades (0–4), fasting serum and 24 h urine calcium level, and the occurrence of hyperparathyroidism. Results: The decrease in the total RSS from baseline was more significant in the high-dose group at 12 (difference 0.87, p = 0.049) and 24 month (difference 1.23, p = 0.011). The serum TALP level was significantly lower in the high-dose group at 6 months. Pi level, height Z-score change, frequency of dental abscess and ratio of de novo nephrocalcinosis were comparable. A lower incidence of secondary hyperparathyroidism was seen in the high-dose group (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: For the first time in this prospective cohort, 40 ng/kg/d calcitriol was shown to be the more effective therapy in XLH children than the 20 ng/kg/d. Moreover, 40 ng/kg/d calcitriol was not associated with increasing adverse events. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT 03,820,518. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study provided information about sleep disruption, particularly its prevalence and severity among Hong Kong Chinese childhood cancer survivors. Additionally, we identified the factors influencing sleep disruption and explored how fatigue, depressive symptoms and physical activity (PA) affect sleep disruption. Methods: Four hundred two survivors 6–18 years old and 50 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy counterparts were assessed for depressive symptoms, fatigue, PA and subjective sleep quality. Demographic and clinical information were collected. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify any factors contributing to poor sleep. Results: Mean scores of depressive symptoms, fatigue for children and that for adolescents, and PA in survivors were 16.1 (SD = 11.1), 24.6 (SD = 10.3), 27.7 (SD = 7.8), and 3.08 (SD = 2.9), respectively. 44.8% of the survivors were poor sleepers, which was more that in healthy counterparts. The three most common sleep problem were prolonged sleep latency (31.9%), daytime dysfunction (23.4%), and sleep disturbance (22.9%). The time since last treatment (children: AOR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.30–0.96, p = 0.04; adolescents: AOR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.70–0.92, p < 0.01) and PA levels (children: AOR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.260–0.82, p = 0.01; adolescents: AOR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.49–0.98, p = 0.04) were negatively associated with sleep disruption, while depressive symptoms (children: AOR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.04–1.64, p = 0.02; adolescents: AOR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.01–1.13, p = 0.03), fatigue (children: AOR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.00–1.31, p = 0.04; adolescents: AOR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.02–1.15, p = 0.01), number of treatment received (children: AOR = 16.56, 95% CI = 1.27–216.82, p = 0.03; adolescents: AOR = 7.30, 95% CI = 2.36–22.56, p < 0.01), and co‐sleeping (children: AOR = 29.19, 95% CI = 1.65–511.57, p = 0.02; adolescents: AOR = 4.63, 95% CI = 1.22–17.61, p = 0.02) were positively associated with sleep disruption. Conclusion: Physical activity made the largest contribution to reduce sleep disruption. It is crucial to advocate for the adoption and maintenance of PA in survivorship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A child suffering from cancer can be considerably stressful for parents, exerting a negative impact on their psychological well-being and quality of life. This study explored the relationships between resilience and quality of life in parents of children with cancer. We recruited 146 parents of children with cancer in two tertiary hospitals in mainland China. The results revealed that greater parental resilience was associated with better quality of life. It is essential to develop interventions that can enhance resilience for parents of children with cancer, thereby improving their quality of life. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03631485 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We fabricate CrP4 single crystal under high pressure and high temperature at 5 GPa and 1373 K. The comprehensive physical properties including electronic transport, magnetic properties, specific heat, Hall, thermal Seebeck and thermal conductivity are reported here. The resistivity shows a good metallic conductivity and T2.7 law relation in the low temperature, which indicates a weak correlation of electrons. It is interesting to note that CrP4 shows large magnetoresistance (MR) of 500% under T = 2 K and B = 9 T, and the MR does not reach saturation until 9 T. The mechanism of large MR in CrP4 is interpreted as the Fermi surface anisotropy. The Hall measurement shows that there is only one single type of carriers in CrP4 with holes. CrP4 exhibits paramagnetic behavior observed from the magnetic susceptibility measurement. Though CrP4 exhibits high electrical conductivity, unexpected low thermal conductivity is observed at low temperature, which is due to the zigzag chain of CrP6 octahedra along the c-axis. Low thermal conductivity is useful to design thermoelectric materials or devices by properly doping in CrP4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the aim of exploring the potential application of a novel chitosan oligosaccharide derivative (COS‐All‐Tio) in shrimp preservation, six dominant spoilage bacteria in the spoiled shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) were isolated and identified as Shewanella putrefaciens (RMS1), S. putrefaciens (S2), Pseudomonas weihenstephanensis (P1), P. gessardii (P2), Aeromonas bestiarum (A1) and Aeromonas molluscorum (A2). The antibacterial effect of COS‐All‐Tio against the six bacterial isolates were studied. Bacterial inhibition zone determination, and minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration assays indicated that the antibacterial activity of COS‐All‐Tio was greatly improved when compared to that of chitosan oligosaccharide (COS). The antibacterial mechanism investigation against S. putrefaciens (RMS1) revealed that COS‐All‐Tio could inhibit bacterial growth by influencing of membrane integrity. Such disturbance of membrane structure resulted in the leakage of intracellular substance of the bacteria. A strong synergistic antibacterial effect against S. putrefaciens (RMS1) was observed when COS‐All‐Tio was used in combination with food preservatives (e.g. ε‐polylysine hydrochloride). Therefore, COS‐All‐Tio might have potential in shrimp preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic persists, methods that can quickly and reliably confirm infection and immune status is extremely urgently and critically needed. In this contribution we show that combining laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) with machine learning can distinguish plasma of donors who previously tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR from those who did not, with up to 95% accuracy. The samples were also analyzed by LIBS-ICP-MS in tandem mode, implicating a depletion of Zn and Ba in samples of SARS-CoV-2 positive subjects that inversely correlate with CN lines in the LIBS spectra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multiple treatments for early–moderate grade symptomatic haemorrhoids currently exist, each associated with their respective efficacy, complications, and risks. The aim of this study was to compare the relative clinical outcomes and effectiveness of interventional treatments for grade II–III haemorrhoids. Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA criteria for all the RCTs published between 1980 and 2020; manuscripts were identified using the MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL databases. Inclusion criteria were RCTs comparing procedural interventions for grade II–III haemorrhoids. Primary outcomes of interest were: symptom recurrence at a minimum follow-up of 6 weeks, postprocedural pain measured on a visual analogue scale (VAS) on day 1, and postprocedural complications (bleeding, urinary retention, and bowel incontinence). After bias assessment and heterogeneity analysis, a Bayesian network meta-analysis was performed. Results: Seventy-nine RCTs were identified, including 9232 patients. Fourteen different treatments were analysed in the network meta-analysis. Overall, there were 59 RCTs (73 per cent) judged as being at high risk of bias, and the greatest risk was in the domain measurement of outcome. Variable amounts of heterogeneity were detected in direct treatment comparisons, in particular for symptom recurrence and postprocedural pain. Recurrence of haemorrhoidal symptoms was reported by 54 studies, involving 7026 patients and 14 treatments. Closed haemorrhoidectomy had the lowest recurrence risk, followed by open haemorrhoidectomy, suture ligation with mucopexy, stapled haemorrhoidopexy, and Doppler-guided haemorrhoid artery ligation (DG-HAL) with mucopexy. Pain was reported in 34 studies involving 3812 patients and 11 treatments. Direct current electrotherapy, DG-HAL with mucopexy, and infrared coagulation yielded the lowest pain scores. Postprocedural bleeding was recorded in 46 studies involving 5696 patients and 14 treatments. Open haemorrhoidectomy had the greatest risk of postprocedural bleeding, followed by stapled haemorrhoidopexy and closed haemorrhoidectomy. Urinary retention was reported in 30 studies comparing 10 treatments involving 3116 participants. Open haemorrhoidectomy and stapled haemorrhoidopexy had significantly higher odds of urinary retention than rubber band ligation and DG-HAL with mucopexy. Nine studies reported bowel incontinence comparing five treatments involving 1269 participants. Open haemorrhoidectomy and stapled haemorrhoidopexy had the highest probability of bowel incontinence. Conclusion: Open and closed haemorrhoidectomy, and stapled haemorrhoidopexy were associated with worse pain, and more postprocedural bleeding, urinary retention, and bowel incontinence, but had the lowest rates of symptom recurrence. The risks and benefits of each treatment should be discussed with patients before a decision is made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work aimed to evaluate the combined influences of salt sodium chloride (NaCl) concentration and low-frequency ultrasound on the functionality of silver carp myofibrillar protein (MP). Silver carp MP was set using different salt concentrations (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 M NaCl) and low-frequency ultrasound treatment (12 min, 350 W). The samples showed a high solubility (85.30 - 93.80%) across various treatments. The turbidity was lowered significantly by increasing the salt concentration with no sonication, while the turbidity changes were insignificant with the combination treatment (NaCl + U12). Ultrasonic treatment of combined 0.4 M salt (NaCl 0.4 M + U12) achieved the highest water holding capacity (WHC) making up 6.46 g water/g MP. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) inhibition ranged from 16.33 to 43% and 13.27 to 25.69%, respectively, and the highest values were shown in the sample containing 0.4 M salt with sonication (NaCl 0.4 M + U12). It could be concluded that the best treatment was ultrasonic with 0.4 M salt (NaCl 0.4 M + U12). The treatment provided the optimal antioxidant activity with good protein solubility and WHC. The integrated results indicate that employing NaCl with ultrasonic treatments (NaCl + U12) could improve the functionality of silver carp MP. These results are very promising for inc [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sleep disruption is a prevalent symptom reported by survivors of childhood cancer. However, there is no validated instrument for assessing this symptom in this population group. To bridge the literature gap, this study translated and adapted the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for Hong Kong Chinese cancer survivors and examined its psychometric properties and factor structure.Methods: A convenience sample of 402 Hong Kong Chinese childhood cancer survivors aged 6-18 years were asked to complete the Chinese version of the PSQI, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale for Children (CES-DC), Fatigue Scale-Child (FS-C)/Fatigue Scale-Adolescent (FS-A), and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). To assess known-group validity, 50 pediatric cancer patients and 50 healthy counterparts were recruited. A sample of 40 children were invited to respond by phone to the PSQI 2 weeks later to assess test-retest reliability. A cutoff score for the translated PSQI used with the survivors was determined using receiver operating characteristic analysis.Results: The Chinese version of the PSQI had a Cronbach alpha of 0.71, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.90. Childhood cancer survivors showed significantly lower mean PSQI scores than children with cancer, and significantly higher mean scores than healthy counterparts. This reflected that childhood cancer survivors had a better sleep quality than children with cancer, but a poorer sleep quality than healthy counterparts. We observed positive correlations between PSQI and CES-DC scores and between PSQI and FS-A/FS-C scores, but a negative correlation between PSQI and PedsQL scores. The results supported that the Chinese version of the PSQI showed convergent validity. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the translated PSQI data best fit a three-factor model. The best cutoff score to detect insomnia was 5, with a sensitivity of 0.81 and specificity of 0.70.Conclusion: The Chinese version of the PSQI is a reliable and valid instrument to assess subjective sleep quality among Hong Kong Chinese childhood cancer survivors. The validated PSQI could be used in clinical settings to provide early assessments for sleep disruption. Appropriate interventions can therefore be provided to minimize its associated long-term healthcare cost. Trial registration This study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov with the reference number NCT03858218. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: By analyzing iron status of 14 ADHR patients, we found that iron deficiency was an important trigger of ADHR. Correcting iron deficiency significantly improved patients' symptoms. Meanwhile, patients' serum phosphate showed positive correlations with iron metabolism parameters and hemoglobin-related parameters, suggesting the necessity of monitoring and correcting the iron status in ADHR. Introduction: Autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets (ADHR) is unique for its incomplete penetrance, variety of disease onsets, and waxing and waning phenotypes. Iron deficiency is a trigger of ADHR. This study aimed to clarify the role of iron deficiency in ADHR. Methods: Data of clinical manifestations and laboratory examinations were collected from patients among eight kindreds with ADHR. Multiple regression and Pearson's correlation tests were performed to test the relationships of serum phosphate levels and other laboratory variables during the patients' follow-ups. Results: Among 23 ADHR patients with fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) mutations, 14 patients presented with obvious symptoms. Ten patients had iron deficiency at the onset of ADHR, coinciding with menarche, menorrhagia, pregnancy, and chronic gastrointestinal bleeding. Two patients who did not have their iron status tested presented with symptoms after abortion and pregnancy in one patient each, which suggested that they also had iron deficiency at onset. Patients were treated with ferrous succinate tablets, vitamin C, and neutral phosphate and calcitriol. With correction of the iron status, the patients' symptoms showed notable improvement, with increased serum phosphate levels. Two patients' FGF23 levels also declined to the normal range. There were strong correlations between serum phosphate and serum iron levels (r = 0.7689, p < 0.0001), serum ferritin levels (r = 0.5312, p = 0.002), iron saturation (r = 0.7907, p < 0.0001), and transferrin saturation (r = 0.7875, p < 0.001). We also examined the relationships between serum phosphate levels and hemoglobin-related indices, which were significant (hemoglobin: r = 0.71, p < 0.0001; MCV: r = 0.7589, p < 0.0001; MCH: r = 0.8218, p < 0.0001; and MCHC: r = 0.7751, p < 0.0001). Longitudinal data of six patients' follow-up also showed synchronous changes in serum phosphate with serum iron levels. Conclusions: Iron deficiency plays an important role in triggering ADHR. Monitoring and correcting the iron status are helpful for diagnosing and treating ADHR. Iron metabolism parameters and hemoglobin-related parameters are positively correlated with serum phosphate levels in patients with ADHR and iron deficiency, and these might serve as good indicators of prognosis of ADHR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A remarkable magnetostriction λ111 as large as 6700 ppm was found at 70K in PrFe1.9 alloy. This value is even larger than the theoretical maximum of 5600 ppm estimated by the Steven's equivalent operator method. The temperature dependence of λ111 for PrFe1.9 and TbFe2 alloys follows well with the single-ion theory rule, which yields giant estimated λ111 values of about 8000 and 4200 ppm for PrFe1.9 and TbFe2 alloys, respectively, at 0K. The easy magnetization direction of PrFe1.9 changes from [111] to [100] as temperature decreases, which leads to the abnormal decrease of the magnetostriction k. The rare earth sublattice moment increases sharply in PrFe1.9 alloy with decreasing temperature, resulting in the remarkably largest estimated value of λ111 at 0K according to the single-ion theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

First-order reversal curve (FORC) diagram, which visualizes the variation of magnetic interaction on a field plane, has been applied to nanocrystalline Ce-Fe-B melt-spinning ribbons. The FORC diagram exhibits different vertical spread along the Hu axis when the applied field is parallel or perpendicular to the ribbon surface. The discrepancy of vertical spread corresponds to different intergranular interactions, which can also be verified by Henkel plot, another method to identify the interactions. The larger vertical spread on the Hu axis along the perpendicular direction is ascribed to the dominance of magnetostatic interaction, while the smaller one along the parallel direction indicates the existence of stronger exchange coupling interaction. The remanence enhancement effect along the parallel direction further confirms the existence of exchange coupling. These indicate that a FORC diagram is a powerful evaluation method for distinguishing different magnetic interactions in permanent magnets. Moreover, Lorentz transmission electron microscopy was used to analyze the magnetic domain structure of nanocrystalline Ce-Fe-B melt-spinning ribbons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: There is limited evidence regarding changes in bone microstructure in patients with hypoparathyroidism. In the current study, we used a non-invasive technique to assess bone structure in hypoparathyroidism patients and discovered site-specific changes which were mainly influenced by age and menstrual status. Such changes were more prominent in the trabeculae as well as in non-surgical as opposed to post-surgical patients. Introduction: Hypoparathyroidism (hypoPT) is a rare disease characterized by the lack of parathyroid hormone. There is limited evidence regarding changes in bone microstructure in patients with non-surgical hypoPT. We investigated bone microstructure of patients with non-surgical hypoPT using a non-invasive technique. Methods: Patients with hypoPT were assessed using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) and compared to age- and sex-matched healthy controls randomly selected from a pre-existing HR-pQCT database in a cross-sectional study. Preliminary comparison between patients with different etiologies of hypoPT was performed. Associations between bone microstructure and clinical parameters were investigated using correlation and regression analyses. Results: A total of 94 patients with non-surgical hypoPT were recruited. Patients displayed an increase in trabecular volumetric BMD of the tibia (170.57 ± 34.32 vs. 156.48 ± 40.55 mg HA/cm3, p = 0.011) and increase in trabecular number of both the radius (1.48 ± 0.29 vs. 1.36 ± 0.22 mm−1, p = 0.003) and tibia (1.42 ± 0.23 vs. 1.24 ± 0.22 mm−1, p < 0.001) compared to healthy controls. Trabecular number was higher for non-surgical hypoPT compared to post-surgical hypoPT (1.37 ± 0.25 and 1.17 ± 0.13 mm−1, p = 0.022). Trends towards increase in cortical volumetric BMD were only present for post-menopausal female and male patients above the age of 50. For female patients, cortical volumetric BMD and area increased with age and decreased after menopause. For males, age had little influence on bone microstructure, but cortical porosity increased with longer treatment durations. Conclusions: Results from this pilot study suggested that both cortical and trabecular bone were altered in this group of patients with hypoPT. Etiology for hypoPT might influence bone microstructure, mainly on trabeculae. Age, menstrual status, and treatment duration were likely to influence bone microstructure in hypoPT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Haemorrhoidal disease can severely affect a patient's quality of life. Its classification is commonly based on morphology of the degree of prolapse; however, this does not take into account the symptoms and impact on the quality of life. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the most appropriate instruments that classify the severity of disease according to symptoms. Method: A PRISMA‐compliant search was conducted in December 2019 to identify studies that described the validation of a haemorrhoidal symptom score. The measurement properties of the scoring systems were assessed based on the consensus‐based standards for the selection of health status measurement instruments (COSMIN) methodology for systematic reviews for patient‐reported outcome measures. Results: A total of 5288 articles were identified, with five articles included. Three studies developed a scoring system based on a set of core symptoms for a cohort of patients and validated the score against treatment outcomes. One study developed a disease‐specific quality of life questionnaire based on symptoms to evaluate disease burden. One study combined both quality of life and symptom measures and tested measurement properties on two cohorts of patients. Only one study demonstrated satisfactory valid, reliable and responsive measurement criteria. Conclusion: A single study demonstrated sufficient quality in measurement properties to be recommended for clinical use. Further studies in this area should utilize consensus‐based standards for designing and reporting validation research to ensure that the appropriate evidence base is acquired if any further patient‐reported outcome measures are to be recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An extraordinary enhancement of magneto-optical Kerr effect was demonstrated in HfO2/Co/HfO2/Al/substrate composite structure by experimental measurements as well as theoretical calculations. Giant polar Kerr rotation was observed within a broad spectral region, and especially a peak of -7.92° was found at wavelength of 496 nm, which is nearly forty times as large as that of a single Co film. In addition, a Kerr rotation reversal was also observed in short wavelength region in the longitudinal geometry. We proposed that the multiple reflections and optical interference in the optical cavities lead to the enormous enhancement and modulation of the Kerr rotation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The easy axis of Nd2Fe14B is known to deviate from the c-axis when the temperature decreases to under the spin reorientation point TSR, 135 K. In this work, magnetic domain evolution in Nd2Fe14B was in situ observed by using Lorentz transmission electron microscopy at variable temperatures and magnetic fields. It appears that most inverse domains shrink to stripes and disappear suddenly to achieve the saturation state under a magnetic field, and the saturation field increases with the decreasing temperature due to the increased anisotropy. Magnetic bubbles with zero topological number are formed at temperatures higher than TSR, whereas magnetic skyrmions are found at temperatures around TSR due to the spin reorientation. The tunable anisotropy and saturation magnetization at TSR are the main causes of forming magnetic skyrmions. This finding exhibits the feasibility of generating skyrmions in the ordinary rare-earth permanent magnetic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To better understand the arc plasma axial motion under an axial magnetic field, a high-speed charge-coupled device camera was used to observe the arc plasma images in a magnetically rotating arc plasma generator. Experimental results indicate that the arc plasma moves towards the cathode bottom as the magnetic field strength increases, while a higher arc current facilitates the cathode arc root to move to the cathode terminus. A two-dimensional coupled model was used to analyze the arc plasma axial motion under different magnetic field strengths. The numerical simulation shows that the arc plasma is axially compressed and curves towards the cathode bottom. It is proposed that the arc plasma structure is derived from the strong backflow from the anode outlet, which is induced by the low-pressure region near the cathode. Moreover, the coupled model predicts the movement of the cathode arc root in agreement with the experimental results. It is inferred that the movement of the cathode arc root is relevant to the energy flux, which is transported from the arc column plasma to the cathode surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study built a micro-simulation Markov model to determine the treatment threshold of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women in Mainland China. Treatment with zoledronate is cost-effective when FRAX-based (Fracture risk assessment tool) fracture probability is over 7%. Introduction: The purpose of this study is to estimate FRAX-based fracture probabilities in Mainland China using real-world data, at which intervention could be cost-effective. Methods: We developed a micro-simulation Markov model to capture osteoporosis states and relevant morbidities including hip fracture, vertebral fracture, and wrist fracture. Baseline characteristics including incidences of osteoporosis and distribution of risk factors were derived from the Peking Vertebral Fracture study, the largest prospective cohort study of postmenopausal women in Mainland China. We projected incidences of fractures and deaths by age groups under two treatment scenarios: 1) no treatment, and 2) zoledronate. We also projected total quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) and total costs including fracture management and osteoporosis drugs for cost-effectiveness analysis. Cost-effective intervention thresholds were calculated based on the Chinese FRAX model. Results: Treatment with zoledronate was cost-effective when the 10-year probability of major osteoporotic fracture based on FRAX was above 7%. The FRAX threshold increased by age from 51 to 65 years old, and decreased in elder age groups, ranging from 4% to 9%. Conclusions: Using real-world data, our model indicated that widespread use of zoledronate was of both clinical and economic benefit among Chinese postmenopausal women. Using a FRAX-based intervention threshold of 7% with zoledronate should permit cost-effective access to therapy to patients and contribute to reducing the disease burden of osteoporosis in Mainland China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Excisional haemorrhoidectomy is the gold standard for management of advanced symptomatic haemorrhoids. Although an effective treatment, it is associated with significant postoperative morbidity with pain, bleeding and a high readmission rate. This study seeks to investigate potential risk factors that may predict unplanned 30‐day readmissions following excisional haemorrhoidectomy. Method: A retrospective cohort review of all haemorrhoidectomies performed at Counties Manukau District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand, between January 2012 and December 2017 was performed. Baseline demographic data, readmission data and potential variables for readmission were recorded. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine significant variables for readmission within 30 days. Results: In total, 485 cases of excisional haemorrhoidectomy were included in the final analysis with 62 (12.8%) unplanned readmissions. The demographics between the no readmission and unplanned readmission groups were similar. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that male gender (P = 0.018) and the use of non‐diathermy devices (P = 0.017) were significant risk factors for readmission. Initial dispensing of opioid analgesia did not decrease the risk of readmission. Conclusion: This study suggests that male gender and surgical technique are associated with increased risk of readmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study evaluated bone features of PHPT using HR-pQCT. The results showed both cortical and trabecular bones were significantly impaired in PHPT patients. Male and female PHPT patients suffered similar damages in bone. HR-pQCT indices were not observed to differ in MEN1 and sporadic PHPT patients. Introduction: High-resolution peripheral quantitative CT is a novel imaging technique used to separately assess trabecular and cortical bone status of the radius and tibia in vivo. Using HR-pQCT, we aimed to evaluate bone features of primary hyperparathyroidism patients in a Chinese population and reveal similarities and differences in bone features in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1–related PHPT and sporadic PHPT patients in the Chinese population. Methods: A case-control study was designed. In 58 PHPT patients and 58 sex- and age-matched healthy controls, the distal radius and tibia were scanned using HR-pQCT. Areal bone mineral density (aBMD) was also determined in PHPT patients using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Results: In comparison with controls, PHPT patients were observed to exhibit reduced volumetric BMD at the cortical and trabecular compartments, thinner cortices, and more widely spaced trabeculae. Significant differences were still observed when comparing data of female and male patients with age-matched controls separately. MHPT patients (n = 11) were found to have lower aBMD Z-scores in the lumbar spine, trochanteric region, and total hip compared with sporadic PHPT patients (n = 47), while no differences were observed in HR-pQCT indices between the two groups. In multiple linear regression models, no significant correlations were identified between PTH and HR-pQCT indices. However, height was found to positively correlate with HR-pQCT-derived trabecular indices at both the radius and tibia. Conclusions: PHPT affects geometry, volumetric density, and microstructure in both the cortical and trabecular bones in both male and female Chinese patients. MHPT patients were observed to have reduced aBMD as determined by DXA in the lumbar spine and hip in comparison with sporadic PHPT patients. However, HR-pQCT indices were not observed to differ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study aimed to investigate the bone impairment in finger joints in PHO patients by HR-pQCT. Results showed distinguished differences in bone architecture and biomechanics parameters at DIPs between PHO patients and healthy controls using HR-pQCT assessment. Besides, serum PGE2, hsCRP and ESR levels were found negatively correlated with total vBMD. Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the bone impairment in finger joints in primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (PHO) patients firstly by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT). Methods: Fifteen PHO patients and 15 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Bone erosions in hands at distal interphalangeal joints (DIPs) in both PHO patients and controls were evaluated by X-ray. Bone geometry, vBMD, microstructure parameters, and size of individual bone erosion were also measured at the 3rd DIP by HR-pQCT as well. Blood biochemistry levels between the two groups were also compared. Results: Compared to X-ray, HR-pQCT assessment were more sensitive for detection of bone erosions, with 14 PHO patients by HR-pQCT versus ten PHO patients by X-ray judged at the 3rd DIP. The average depth, width, and volume of erosions size in PHO patients were 1.38 ± 0.80 mm, 0.79 ± 0.27 mm, and 1.71 ± 0.52 mm3, respectively. The bone cross-areas including total area (+ 25.3%, p ≤ 0.05), trabecular area (+ 56.2%, p ≤ 0.05), and cortical perimeter (+ 10.7%, p ≤ 0.05) at the defined region of interest of 3rd DIP was significantly larger than controls. Total vBMD was 11.9% lower in PHO patients compared with the controls (p ≤ 0.05). Biochemical test results showed the increased levels of inflammatory cytokines, bone resorption markers, and joint degeneration markers in PHO patients. Serum prostaglandin PGE2, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels were found negatively correlated with total vBMD. Conclusions: This study demonstrated higher sensitivity of the HR-pQCT measurement at DIPs by showing the differences in architecture and biomechanics parameters at DIPs between the PHO patients and healthy controls, which would be of interest clinically to investigate bone deterioration in PHO patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fallopia multiflora, also known as Polygonum multiflorum, is a traditional Chinese medicine with stilbenes as the main characteristic components. We previously isolated the presumed stilbene synthase gene FmSTS1 from F. multiflora and inserted the FmSTS1 gene into the genome of Arabidopsis thaliana under the control of cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter to evaluate its biological functions. Southern blot and Northern blot analyses were performed to confirm the integration and expression of FmSTS1 in Arabidopsis. A new stilbene compound, which was identified as trans-piceid, was found to accumulate in the transgenic Arabidopsis. This study firstly reportsFmSTS1 from F. multiflora that was heterologously expressed in transgenic Arabidopsis and resulted in the accumulation of trans-piceid, which was originally not synthesized in Arabidopsis species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The micromagnetic structure and magnetization process of perpendicular Y3Fe5O12 (YIG) films were studied by Lorentz microscopy and electron holography. The closure domain structure inside the thin transmission electron microscopy specimen exhibits the same period as the magnetization pattern observed by magnetic force microscopy indicating the perpendicular anisotropy of the YIG film. Through observation of stray fields, it is concluded that the shapes of domain and domain walls are sensitive to the specimen thickness; moreover, a closure domain configuration observed in thin specimen is the stable energy state as determined by the balance between the crystalline anisotropy and shape anisotropy. Domain wall movement is observed by applying a magnetic field, in situ, inside the microscope in both horizontal and perpendicular directions; the saturation fields observed are qualitatively in agreement with the results of the hysteresis loop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimizing the dietary calcium (Ca) level is essential to maximize the eggshell quality, egg production and bone formation in poultry. This study aimed to establish the Ca requirements of egg-type duck breeders from 23 to 57 weeks of age on egg production, eggshell, incubation, tibial, plasma and ovary-related indices, as well as the expression of matrix protein-related genes. Totally, 450 Longyan duck breeders aged 21 weeks of age were allotted randomly into five treatments, each with six replicates of 15 individually caged birds. The data collection started from 23 weeks of age and continued over the following 35 weeks. The five groups corresponded to five dietary treatments containing either 2.8%, 3.2%, 3.6%, 4.0% or 4.4% Ca. The tested dietary Ca levels increased (linear, P <0.01) egg production and egg mass, and linearly improved (P <0.01) the feed conversion ratio (FCR). Increasing the dietary Ca levels from 2.8% to 4.4% increased (P <0.01) the eggshell thickness and eggshell content. The tested Ca levels showed a quadratic effect on eggshell thickness and ovarian weight (P <0.01); the highest values were obtained with the Ca levels 4.0% and 3.6%, respectively. Dietary Ca levels affected the small yellow follicles (SYF) number and SYF weight/ovarian weight, and the linear response (P <0.01) was significant vis-à-vis SYF number. In addition, dietary Ca levels increased (P <0.05) the tibial dry weight, breaking strength, mineral density and ash content. Plasma and tibial phosphorus concentration exhibited a quadratic (P <0.01) response to dietary Ca levels. Plasma calcitonin concentration linearly (P <0.01) increased as dietary Ca levels increased. The relative expression of carbonic anhydrase 2 in the uterus rose (P <0.01) with the increment of dietary Ca levels, and the highest value was obtained with 3.2% Ca. In conclusion, Longyan duck breeders fed a diet with 4.0% Ca had superior eggshell and tibial quality, while those fed a diet with 3.6% Ca had the heaviest ovarian weights. The regression model indicated that the dietary Ca levels 3.86%, 3.48% and 4.00% are optimal levels to obtain maximum eggshell thickness, ovarian weight and tibial mineral density, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal carbides have shown great promise in a wide range of applications due to their unique catalytic, electrocatalytic and magnetic properties. However, the scalable production of dispersible metal carbide nanoparticles remains a challenge. Here, we report a simple and scalable route to dispersible iron carbide (Fe3C) nanoparticles. This uses MgO nanoparticles as a removable 'cast' to synthesize Fe3C nanoparticles from Prussian blue (KFeIII[FeII(CN)6]). Electron tomography demonstrates how nanoparticles of the MgO cast encase the Fe3C nanoparticles to prevent sintering and agglomeration during the high-temperature synthesis. The MgO cast is readily removed with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to generate Fe3C nanoparticles that can be used to produce a colloidal ferrofluid or dispersed on a support material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many specific detection assays have been developed in order to efficiently detect GMOs (genetically modified organisms) in feed and food. Existing approaches to screen or detect GM crops always rely on thermal cycling device. Therefore, these rapid visual detection assays were developed and characterized for the four transgenic soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) events MON87701, MON87705, MON87708, and MON87769 using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method. Four sets of specific primers were successfully designed to recognize the junction sequences of specific soybean events. The optimum primers and reaction temperature of each assay were tested respectively. Different kinds of genomic DNAs of transgenic events and non-transgenic crop samples were examined with the methods that indicated the good specificity of GM soybean species. The detection limit of each LAMP assays could reach 0.05%, showing sensitivity 10 times higher than that of the regular PCR method. Due to their simplicity, rapidness and low cost, the established LAMP assays would be practical for detecting the GM soybeans MON87701, MON87705, MON87708, MON87769 and their derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2D texture cannot reflect the 3D object's texture because it only considers the intensity distribution in the 2D image region but int real world the intensities of objects are distributed in 3D surface. This paper proposes a modified three-dimensional gray-level co-occurrence matrix (3D-GLCM) which is first introduced to process volumetric data but cannot be used directly to spectral images with digital surface model because of the data sparsity of the direction perpendicular to the image plane. Spectral and geometric features combined with no texture, 2D-GLCM and 3D-GLCM were put into random forest for comparing using ISPRS 2D semantic labelling challenge dataset, and the overall accuracy of the combination containing 3D GLCM improved by 2.4% and 1.3% compared to the combinations without textures or with 2D-GLCM correspondingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cold‐inducible RNA‐binding protein (CIRBP) is associated with cell stress. However, its upstream regulatory factors are still largely unknown. Objectives: This study investigated whether CIRBP expression was regulated by transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) during the process of heat‐induced testicular damage. Materials and Methods: Ten male adult ICR mice were allocated to heat treatment (scrotal hyperthermia at 43 °C for 30 min, n = 5) and control group (n = 5); CIRBP and TGF‐β1, TGF‐β2, and TGF‐β3 expression levels in the testis in mRNA and protein were analyzed. Then, we conducted in vivo and in vitro studies to investigate the regulatory effects of TGF‐β on CIRBP. In the in vivo study, male adult ICR mice were subjected to testicular hyperthermia followed by a local testicular injection of TGF‐β antagonist (non‐selective TGF‐β I/II receptor inhibitor, 5 μg or 10 μg). In the in vitro study, GC2‐spd cells were cultured under 43 °C for 30 min or with different TGF‐β isoforms (10 ng/mL), and CIRBP expression levels in the testis and GC2‐spd cells were analyzed 24 and 48 h, respectively, after treatment. Results: As a result, heat treatment significantly downregulated the relative CIRBP mRNA and protein expression (p = 0.006 and 0.011), and significantly upregulated TGF‐β2 and TGF‐β3 expression levels (p = 0.022 and 0.04, for mRNA, and p = 0.001 for both protein levels). Local testicular injection of 10 μg TGF‐β antagonist significantly attenuated heat‐induced histological damage to the testes and CIRBP downregulation (p = 0.038). Furthermore, TGF‐β2 and TGF‐β3 significantly downregulated CIRBP mRNA and protein expression in GC2‐spd cells (all p < 0.01), exerting a similar effect to heat treatment. Discussion and Conclusion: Our in vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated that heat‐induced CIRBP downregulation in the testes was mediated by the upregulation of TGF‐β. Further studies are needed to clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]